Study: Kids Who Avoid Things More Likely To Have Anxiety

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Kids who avoid scary situations are more likely to have anxiety problems.

That’s the finding of a Mayo Clinic study.

Mayo researchers surveyed some 800 kids between the ages of 7 and 18, asking if they try to avoid things they’re afraid of.

They also asked parents if their children tried to put off things that scare them.

Mayo Clinic Study

“And what we found is that the kids that tended to avoid more were more likely to be more anxious about a year later, suggesting that kids who avoid are less likely to learn that their fears are unfounded and more likely to be anxious,” said Mayo Clinic psychologist Dr Stephen Whiteside.